SCoA is grateful for the opportunity to make a submission in response to the Discussion Paper on Australia’s Humanitarian Program for 2022-2023. Australia’s Humanitarian Program ensures Australia meets our humanitarian commitment to resettle refugees. Australia’s world class settlement services play a crucial role in supporting humanitarian entrants as they begin their life in Australia.
From 2020-2021, COVID-19 caused an enormous reduction in resettlement places globally. However, from 2022, as leading resettlement states resumed humanitarian programs, it is crucial for Australia to review its Humanitarian Program to ensure it is used as effectively as possible as a protection tool to meet the needs of the most vulnerable refugees.